Hinderer XM18 3.5 vs SNG vs CRK Ummmnum

LMT66 said:
Well, I bought a 3.5 non-flipper XM-18 which will be a work knife. I'll probably pick up a Umnumzaan also for EDC outside work.

Thanks for all the informative posts. :thumbup:
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That's what I'm talking about!!!! :thumbup:

Thanks for the update, remember to post pictures! :D
 
I agree with what flipe8 said about price for sure. The thing is, all those knives are really quite different. I've participated in a passaround for the XM and didn't like it at the time as the blade was too thick for a standard EDC for me at that time. Cutting up an apple was more like using an axe vs a knife.
I've only had concealed carry versions of the SnG and I really like them. Great feel in the hand, great lock up, good looks, etc. The list price is a bit much but there's always one on the exchange.
Never had the Umnumzaan but I do enjoy my Sebenza quite a bit, another one that can be had for a great price on the exchange.

-I truly think you need to try each one...
LMT66 said:
Well, I bought a 3.5 non-flipper XM-18 which will be a work knife. I'll probably pick up a Umnumzaan also for EDC outside work.

Thanks for all the informative posts. :thumbup:
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And that's what I get for not scrolling all the way down :D
 
I've had plenty of XM-18s, a couple of Umnums, but no Striders just yet. With that said, unless you're doing something insane with the knife, I'd recommend the Sebenza or an XM-18 if you can find it for under $500. I guess if you have a need for one of the specific features of the Umnum, then that's one thing, but I think the Sebenza is the CRK I'd go with.
 
Update after some time with my XM, Umnumzaan.

XM-18 is a tank. A bit heavy for my liking. I'm also not real fond of the canted blade but am getting accustomed to it. I prefer the non-flipper for sure. The thumbstuds are close to the pivot and opening it is a breeze. Also, closing it is equally as easy. Doesn't matter how easy or hard I open it, it's locks up at less than 25%. +1 for the beefy Spanto tip!
Currently looking to pick up a 3" non-flipper as my primary edc. (<3" carry restriction here)

The Umnumzaan is an awesome folder but the lockbar can be a little tricky. Not much room between handle slabs and just a little difference in height between the lockbar tab and the opposite handle. Takes some practice to get used to it but it's not bad.
As far as the overall straight line design between blade and handle, I love it. Very comfortable knife to use.


Overall, I like both blades much better than the SNG i had a while back.
 
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I just recently got an xm-18 3.5" and it is the only knife ive carried since i got it. so my vote is to the xm-18.
 
I had an umnum. Probably one of the smoothest folders Ive ever had. The only thj g that bugged me about it was, it just isn't as good as a Sebenza. Its harder to clean, requires a special tool, its heavier, and doesn't slice as well. It's an outstanding knife, but is it better than a Sebenza?

-Freq
 
freq18hz said:
I had an umnum. Probably one of the smoothest folders Ive ever had. The only thj g that bugged me about it was, it just isn't as good as a Sebenza. Its harder to clean, requires a special tool, its heavier, and doesn't slice as well. It's an outstanding knife, but is it better than a Sebenza?

-Freq
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It's a hard use knife. The blade is thicker, but both the Umnumzaan and Sebenza should have high hollow grinds, so they should both cut better than an XM-18 with a Spanto or even an SnG with FFG.

I only have an XM-18 and a Sebenza. Steel-wise, the XM-18 has better edge retention, though I haven't really used my Sebenza enough to dull it significantly yet. Ergonomics-wise, the Sebenza is much better at cutting in general with the hollow grind. The XM-18 isn't suited at cutting anything thicker than cardboard due to the extremely thick blade. The XM-18 however ages more gracefully, as I managed to scuff up the handles of my Sebbie within 2 days of pocket carry. Some say those marks add character, but I say it's more like accelerated aging. An XM-18 used heavily for years would probably look much the same as it did after 2 weeks of carry straight from the box(assuming stonewashed finishes), with the only signs of age being the amount of crud on the G10 or carbon fiber scales.

I'm personally tempted by a Strider SmF, though complaints about the fit and finish issues along with nonexistent customer service keeps me from buying one.
 
I find it interesting that price is so quickly glossed over in these discussions.

The XM-18 usually goes for $650 on the secondary market. The Zaan and SNG can be had for $350 without too much trouble on the secondary market.

Is the XM-18 worth a $300 premium over the other two is the question I would be asking...
 
Buffalohump said:
I find it interesting that price is so quickly glossed over in these discussions.

The XM-18 usually goes for $650 on the secondary market. The Zaan and SNG can be had for $350 without too much trouble on the secondary market.

Is the XM-18 worth a $300 premium over the other two is the question I would be asking...
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The premium is mostly due to availability. Whether it's worth it or not depends on whether or not you have that kind of money to throw around, whether you're in the military, police, or EMT services, and whether you're sure you want it or not.

Actually given the features, none of the 3 are right for me, and I should be looking for something like a Scott Cook Lochsa instead:D.
 
Buffalohump said:
I find it interesting that price is so quickly glossed over in these discussions.

The XM-18 usually goes for $650 on the secondary market. The Zaan and SNG can be had for $350 without too much trouble on the secondary market.

Is the XM-18 worth a $300 premium over the other two is the question I would be asking...
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Good point. In my opinion, the XM isn't worth the added expense on the secondary market.

I like that CR knives are readily had at cost and that no matter what dealer you buy from, it's a set price. The Umnumzaan is worth the coin to me.

I still like my $35 SAK Solo the best. :thumbup:
 
Buffalohump said:
Ha ha..... good luck with that! :D
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Well technically I've had my grail knife for months now. It's a Spyderco Para2 in S90V and Carbon Fiber:thumbup:. After that first mirror polish, I have yet to need to resharpen it, and I believe carbon fiber is right up there with titanium as far as premium handle materials go. Still, that itch just won't go away:D.
 
LMT66 said:
Good point. In my opinion, the XM isn't worth the added expense on the secondary market.

I like that CR knives are readily had at cost and that no matter what dealer you buy from, it's a set price. The Umnumzaan is worth the coin to me.

I still like my $35 SAK Solo the best. :thumbup:
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You probably already know how much I love the XM's so I'll spare you the boring repeat. ;)

At BLADE2009, I hit the CRK booth with the intention of buying an Umnumzaan. I loved it from the first image I saw of it, but wanted to actually handle one first. After a few minutes of handling it, I realized that it just wasn't for me and I walked away with a small Seb 21 (my first Sebenza) instead. The small Seb just fit my hand better and was much easier for me to manipulate. Now, if CRK does decide to release a smaller version of the Umnum in the future, I'll probably jump all over one of those... :)

Buffalohump said:
Nuthin better than a SAK.... if only we could leave it at that and just be happy! :D
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I gotta hand it to the SAK for being so damn handy. :) Along with whatever high end folder I carry, I also have a Fireman's SAK on me too. :thumbup:
 
Jaxx said:
You probably already know how much I love the XM's so I'll spare you the boring repeat. ;)

At BLADE2009, I hit the CRK booth with the intention of buying an Umnumzaan. I loved it from the first image I saw of it, but wanted to actually handle one first. After a few minutes of handling it, I realized that it just wasn't for me and I walked away with a small Seb 21 (my first Sebenza) instead. The small Seb just fit my hand better and was much easier for me to manipulate. Now, if CRK does decide to release a smaller version of the Umnum in the future, I'll probably jump all over one of those... :)



I gotta hand it to the SAK for being so damn handy. :) Along with whatever high end folder I carry, I also have a Fireman's SAK on me too. :thumbup:
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Lets hope for a S-Umnum!
 
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Update.

The XM 3.5 has been sold. Just too much for pocket carry. Still seeking a 3" though.

The relief cut on the front slab of my Star-Tac is cut much deeper than the regular Umnumzaan. Makes opening and closing it much easier on the thumb.

Hoping that all future regular Umnumzaan's are getting this also.
 
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LMT66 said:
Although the XM-18 looks to be the most durable in both handle and blade, the thickness of the handle might be a bit much for every day carry in my front pocket.
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I have and mostly EDC an Umnum, and it is the best carrying larger folder I own. Its a lot of knife in a small and easy to carry package.
 
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